Disability Services Policy & Disability Rights

Smith College is both philosophically committed and legally required to assure equal access for students with documented disabilities to participate in college programs. The college works proactively to remove barriers.

The college has an Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) to facilitate the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities. A student may voluntarily register with the Accessibility Resource Center by following the instructions on the Request an Accommodation page. Accommodations and services will then be discussed through an interactive process. Relevant medical and educational information will be reviewed. Documentation supporting requests must be current. If obtaining documentation presents a barrier to receiving needed support, students are still encouraged to reach out to the Accessibility Resource Center to discuss options and begin the interactive process. After review and a meeting with staff, accommodations determined appropriate will be approved by the college. Approved accommodations may be revisited any time conditions or needs change.

Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations or other disability-related support services must make their needs known and submit requests in a timely way with the Accessibility Resource Center. The most common types of academic accommodations may be found on the Accessibility Resource Center website. Students with disabilities, like all students, are encouraged to select courses that take into account their own particular strengths and barriers, and should work with advisers to make choices related to program(s) of study.

Support services (“auxiliary aids and services,” in the lexicon of the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]) are provided based on individual case-by-case assessment and availability of services. Such aids and services may include sign language interpreters, assistive technology and apps, assistive listening devices, computer software and hardware, print alternatives, etc. Writing counseling, peer tutoring in certain subjects, and time management/study skills training are available to all students through the Learning Commons. Students with disabilities may request additional or longer sessions if needed. Separate services designed specifically for disabled students are not provided. If peer tutors are not available, other tutorial services may be sought at the student’s expense. Individual academic or personal “coaching” services are also not provided by the college.

The college will not provide support services if providing them creates an undue burden for the college.

The college is responsible for providing that, within certain limits, students are not denied the opportunity to participate in college programs on the basis of a disability. The college is not required to and will not:

make accommodations or provide support for services which fundamentally alter the academic requirements for the degree, course requirements, or basic pedagogy;
normally alter consistently applied academic policies which are based on academic standards;
guarantee success or bear responsibility for ensuring students succeed in their courses.

The college is not responsible for and will not provide personal care assistance, personal purchases, personal adaptive equipment, formal educational assessment or clinical disability evaluation, or services or educational supplies used by all students (pens, paper, personal computers, software, computer supplies, etc.). These are the responsibility of the student.

Students are expected to participate responsibly in using accommodations they have requested and which have been approved by the college and to seek out assistance from the Accessibility Resource Center and other programs on campus as needed. Students with disabilities are bound, like all students, to the Smith Honor Code.

The college does not make retroactive accommodations.

Conflicts or grievances related to disability accommodations should be discussed with the director of accessibility, and if not resolved, can be referred to the 504 Coordinator for an appeals process. Students may also use EthicsPoint to report a concern.

Disability Rights

The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) serves as a central point of information and coordination to ensure equal access and full participation for students with disabilities in all programs and activities at Smith College. Employee accommodations are coordinated by Human Resources. Principles of Universal Design and Disability Justice guide us in our work as we strive to proactively identify and remove barriers to participation wherever possible. We also strive to promote a disability-positive and inclusive climate at Smith; such a climate recognizes each person's multiple identities and values all diverse perspectives, which contribute to a rich living and learning environment. Smith's commitment to providing support and services is balanced with a humanistic and developmental approach that requires student engagement and responsibility in the accommodation process. More information about disability rights and policies can be found on the Accessibility Resource Center website.